Paulo Fonseca keeps faith with Athekame against Paris FC

Paulo Fonseca is expected to preserve Lyon’s winning formula against Paris FC, with Zachary Athekame set to retain the right-back position despite Clinton Mata’s return to the squad. New attacking signing Keito Nakamura is also likely to wait for his first appearance from the substitutes’ bench.

Fonseca is projected to make few changes at Jean-Bouin after Lyon’s 3-1 victory over Auxerre. Dominik Greif should start in goal behind Athekame, Felix Bacher, Moussa Niakhaté and Abner. Bacher is expected to remain alongside Niakhaté in central defence, leaving Mata and Ruben Kluivert among the replacements.

The midfield should feature Mads Bidstrup and Tyler Morton, with Corentin Tolisso operating further forward. Ernest Nuamah is expected on the right, Pavel Sulc in the attacking line and Loïs Openda leading the attack. Nakamura, who has been included in the squad for the first time, would therefore begin as a substitute despite the increased competition in attack.

The projected Lyon XI is Greif; Athekame, Bacher, Niakhaté, Abner; Bidstrup, Morton; Nuamah, Tolisso, Sulc; Openda. The selection reflects Fonseca’s preference for continuity before facing unbeaten Paris FC, who sit third in Ligue 1.